Effect of Slope Plate Variables and Reheating on the Semi-Solid Structure of Al Alloys

Abstract

Semi-solid forming (SSF) involves alloys with non-dendrite microstructure that contain spherical
solid particles in the liquid matrix. This process is generally divided into three main steps: feedstock
manufacturing, reheating and forming.
Feedstock has the main effect on the cost and quality of product. Many researches have been carried
out to reduce the cost of feedstock manufacturing. Slope plate is a simple semi-solid process that
can reduce the cost of feedstock. In this study a Cu plate with water and without water circulation
was used to investigate the effect of pouring temperature, cooling rate during casting and
solidification in the mold on the microstructure. Cast ingots with optimized microstructure were
reheated in various time and temperatures in semi-solid region to obtain kinetics of globularization
and solid grain growth.